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Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Oldest Bar In New Brunswick Celebrates 50 Years

New Brunswick has a long history of beer-drinking and good times--and the oldest operating bar in the province is marking 50 years in business today.  

The Chris Rock Tavern in Moncton opened back in 1963, when women weren't allowed in drinking establishments and beer magnate Derrick Oland installed the draught line himself.  The name doesn't have anything to do with the famous comedian; actually, it's combination of the monikers of founders Chris Shaban and “Rocky” Stone.

Owner Wayne Woles tells CHSJ News 50 years ago you couldn't order wine, spirits or indeed anything other than beer. A quarter would buy you one bottle or two small draft, including the server's wages -- a penny per draft. Women were not allowed, and all patrons had to be seated. Operating hours were 10 a.m. to 10:45 p.m., and closed for an hour at suppertime each day as well as Sundays and holidays.

The Three Mile is arguably the oldest operating bar in Saint John, with the AQ coming in a close second.